Impact Newsletter: February 1, 2013

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Volume Four, Issue Two

Bidding Secretary Clinton Farewell

Secretary Clinton and USAID Administrator Raj Shah at the Child Survival Call to Action last June.

Today, we are wishing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a warm farewell. USAID has made significant progress under the leadership of Secretary Clinton. Today, the Agency is delivering clear results by engaging more broadly with-and demanding more from-the private sector and utilizing science, technology, and innovation to tackle intractable problems and quickly scale solutions. Although the President's ambitious agenda will require much additional work in the years to come, significant and notable gains have been made over the past four years.

Additional Humanitarian Aid for the Syrian People

This week, President Barack Obama announced that the United States is providing $155 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help those affected by the conflict in Syria. This support includes $42.8 million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide additional winter relief supplies, nutrition and protection support, health care, shelter assistance, and emergency food assistance. Another $112.2 million will go to U.N. agencies and international organizations to provide relief supplies and other humanitarian assistance. See how this assistance will be used.

Earlier this week a delegation of senior U.S. officials visited Turkey to review the humanitarian situation created by the violence in Syria. Anne C. Richard, the assistant secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, and Nancy Lindborg, USAID Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, continued on to Jordan, where they met with refugees, international and non-governmental organizations, and government officials.

The delegation concluded travel in Kuwait, where they attended the International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria.

USAID Participates in 2013 Social Media Week

Social Media Week (February 19-22, 2013) is a worldwide event exploring the social, cultural and economic impact of social media. This annual conference connects people and organizations through collaboration, learning and the sharing of ideas and information. For the first time this year, USAID will host events to amplify the role of international development in social media, and USAID as a leader in this industry.

USAID Events:

Moderated by Chief Innovation Officer Maura O'Neill with confirmed panelists from Internews, UN Foundation, iStrategy, and HUGE Inc. This discussion will focus on example of successful uses of social media in international development. A Q& A with in-person and online questions (#smwUSAID) from our audience.

This event will be a screening of short 2-minute videos from our partners, showcasing their work in social media for development through video. This will provide a unique opportunity for partners and USAID offices and missions to amplify programs that integrate digital engagement. Videos are being solicited online and compiled by LPA.Submit your video today!

USAID is partnering with the Global Health Alliance to create an opportunity for social media enthusiasts in the international development community to gather around drinks and development. This event has attracted over 100 RSVP's so far.

USAID In the News

Still can't get enough of USAID? Here's a bit more. This week, The Huffington Post featured a story about our support for the media sector in Afghanistan. The L.A. Times reports on USAID/Afghanistan's support to civilians injured by gunfire between U.S. and coalition forces and insurgents.IRIN News writes about progress made toward reducing child and maternal deaths in Ethiopia ahead of the African Leadership for Child Survival: A Promise Renewed meeting.The Financial Times reported about the Agency's call to bring bright young minds into the development sector to help deliver better aid through collaborative programs like the Higher Education Solutions Network.

Have you Seen our Blog?

Check out the Impact Blog to stay updated on the latest information about USAID programs in Washington and around the world. Read stories from the field, hear from development experts, and view weekly photos and videos of development in action. You can also join the conversation on social media!